Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

Christmas Tree Cheeseball is a delicious and easy appetizer that is perfect for all your holiday gatherings. This cheese ball is fun and festive because of the tree shape.

We love a good cheese ball recipe. Shaping it into a tree and adding the fun red and green ingredients always make it a hit. If you are looking for an easy appetizer this holiday, make this Christmas Tree Cheese Ball. You may also love Christmas Cheese Ball.

Why We Love This Cheese Ball

This cheese ball appetizer is always a hit at our holiday parties. The ingredients are simple and can be made in a variety of ways. Add your favorite dippers for a crowd pleasing dip.

This cream cheese mixture can be shaped in many different ways. Shape it into a football for a game day treat!

Ingredients

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variation Ideas

This delicious Holiday appetizer can be made with many different ingredients. You can even change the shape.

• Green Bell Peppers – Instead of using parsley, substitute with green bell peppers. Press bell pepper pieces around the tree for a fun and festive look. Another option is green onions or pesto.
• Change the Seasoning – You can easily add in or substitute the seasoning for this cheese ball. Mix in black pepper, worcestershire sauce, fresh basil or garlic powder.
• Add More Decorations – You can easily add yellow bell pepper or lemon peel to add more color to the cheese ball. Use pomegranate seeds, grape tomatoes or dried cranberries instead of red bell pepper.
• Nuts – We used pine nuts in this recipe, but you can garnish it with pistachios or slice almonds.
• Cheese – We mixed in cheddar cheese but you can also use sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese. Just make sure to grate it yourself as pre-shredded cheese has added ingredients.

How to Make Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

Step 1 – Mix cream cheese with seasoning – Mix together the cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Combine with a hand held mixer until combined and smooth. 

Step 2 – Add Cheese – Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours until the cheese is form enough to shape. 

Step 3 – Form into a Tree – Remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator and wrap in plastic wrap. Use your hands to form the mixture into a cone shape to look like a Christmas tree. I like to transfer the cheese to the platter I am serving it on.

Step 4 – Add Parsley – Remove the plastic wrap and press the chopped parsley around the outside of the cheese. 

• Step 5 – Add Nuts and pepper – Press the pine nuts and diced red bell pepper into the cheese ball for decorations. 
• Step 6 – Top of the Tree – Cut the cheddar cheese in the shape of a star. Then place on top of the cheese ball.
• Step 7 – Ready to Serve – Serve with your favorite dippers and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

• Cream Cheese – Before mixing with other ingredients, make sure cream cheese is at room temperature.
• Shaping the tree – We recommend wrapping cream cheese mixture in plastic wrap prior to shaping into tree. We have also rubbed about a tbsp of olive oil on our hands to help shape.
• Chill Cream Cheese Mixture – After combining the ingredients, make sure to allow the mixture to chill. We recommend for about 2 hours for best results.

What do you Serve Christmas Tree Cheese Ball?

Cheese ball is a must at all the holiday parties I host. We have even made them for game day gatherings and birthday parties. These are my favorite dippers.

• Prosciutto
• Crackers
• Pretzels
• Pita Chips
• Mini Bagels
• Carrots
• Celery
• Broccoli

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.